“No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23).
Timothy had maladies. We each have our issues and the Lord provides. More important than that, this is a principle which the church developed into the idea of temperance. It is to develop balance in this life and in this age. We fight against puritanical temptations because on the one hand we know sin is all around us and on the other, we would rather be where there is none. Be balanced and do what is needed to have the best temperament.
Lord, You know the temptations of this world. You know how we are tempted in one direction and then the next. Guide me, O Lord, to see that I too need to do what is needed to have an even temperament and stay the course You have set before me. Lead me, O Lord, in the way of life and teach me to hold fast to the course You have set me upon so that I may grow in this gift of faith and know You that are true as You know the truth of me.
Lord, You have given the promise in Scripture that the day will come, when we shall stand before You, and we shall know even as we have always been known. Guide me Lord in the way of truth in order that I would forever hold fast to You and do what needs to be done, not letting other things get in the way. Let me be neither compulsive, nor exclusive, but balanced in all things. Amen.
